Australian Border Force arrest Vietnamese man ‘trying to smuggle’ endangered fish into Adelaide

There was something fishy going on from the moment the Vietnamese national stepped off the plane at Adelaide Airport — but it wasn’t until Border Force agents were breathing down his neck that they made a potential $300,000 discovery.

The man was arrested at Adelaide Airport. Picture: Australian Border Force

A man has been arrested at the Adelaide Airport after one of the world’s most expensive aquarium fish was found alive in a bag hanging around his neck.

The Vietnamese national was frisk-searched after stepping off a flight from Malaysia and the 34-year-old pulled out the bag containing a fully red Asian arowana.

The fish, which could fetch upwards of $1000 in Australia, is endangered and its trade is controlled under the International Convention in Trade of Endangered Species, to which Australia is a signatory.

Also known as the dragon fish, the Asian community believe the species brings good luck and wealth due to its red colour and coin-like scales.

The fish, which could grow up to 90cm long, was rumoured to sell up to $300,000 in China and the market price for a rare albino could set a buyer back $70,000.

In Australia, it is illegal to own an Asian arowana unless it is legally imported.

The man was arrested at Adelaide Airport for allegedly trying to smuggle an endangered fish around his neck. Pic: Australian Border Force

Australian Border Force officers arrested the man, who was granted bail to appear before the Adelaide Magistrates Court in May.

The fish had to be euthanised as illegal imports of exotic animals can introduce serious pests and diseases that pose a significant biosecurity risk to Australia, ABF Regional Command SA chief superintendent Brett Liebich said.

“The ABF is committed to stopping the trade in rare animals and protecting our delicate natural wildlife from the potentially devastating impact of foreign diseases and predators,” he said

“The ABF takes the illegal wildlife trade seriously and we will continue to work collaboratively with our partners to detect, disrupt and deter illegal activity at our borders.”

The maximum penalty for wildlife trade offences under Australian law is 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to $210,000 for individuals or up to $1,050,000 for corporations.

People with information about the attempted illegal import of wildlife or who notice any suspicious border related activity should contact Border Watch at Australia.gov.au/borderwatch.